Computer-based poker card game

ABSTRACT

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for a computer-based Poker game such as a poker game referred to a Texas Hold or other similar card game involving a single player from any of various dispersed locations participating in a card game, along with a plurality of virtual players, or with the simultaneous real time participation of other actual players, in which standard gaming formats is set forth with an instant play having be automatically generated minimal betting formats, such games being available on the Internet or at specifically located game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

As a matter of background, in circumstances where an individual desiresto play an on-line gambling card game or a game setting at a localizedgame station, such as Poker, it is important to understand the dynamicsof betting with the game of Poker or other such card games. It is to beunderstood that on-line interstate gambling is not yet fully sanctionedand that gambling on-line is in its embryonic stage for a much largersanctioned participation under certain conditions.

With this background, there are known and established methods forplaying a card game on the Internet or at game stations, independent ofthe Internet, involving betting modes. In these formats, there is aportrayal on a computer generated display screen of a gaming table andhe playing cards, face up or face down depending on the type of cardgame played. Such formats and game methodology can be applied to almostany type of card game including poker or other card games.

As a focus and perspective herein, the game of Poker combines principlesof card games well-known for centuries and presently there are manyforms of the card game Poker. Poker is a popular game throughout theworld and as stated it incorporates. A myriad of formats for game playpurposes, specifically poker, combine principles of card games playedfor many centuries in Europe and other parts of the world, but in itsprestly prevailing forms it is mainly of American origination. There areseveral forms of Poker and the main types are: Draw Poker, in which allof a participant's cards are not known to his opponents, Stud Poker, inwhich some of the player's cards are dealt face up with others dealtface down, among other forms. Within the above two basic categories amultitude of variations exist, and “Holdem” or “Texas Holdem” is apopular type. In “Texas Holdem” each player makes an initial ante wagerto play the game and is dealt two cards face down. After a secondbetting interval then three community cards are dealt face up. Thenanother betting interval follows based on the players take on thecommunity cards vis-a-vis his own cards and the dealer then deals up onemore community card face. Yet another betting round occurs after thenthe dealer deals the final community card face up and the participantwith the highest Poker ranked hand arrayed from his or her own cards andthe five community cards becomes the game winner. In modern casinosPoker takes one of three forms, namely live or cardroom Poker whereplayers compete against one another but the games are controlled andsupervised by a house dealer who removes a house levy either in the formof a participation fee or as a percentage of winning hands; electronicvideo machines offering various forms of Poker; and Poker played as a“bankers game” either where the game involves players in contest withthe dealer's hand or where the object is for the players to obtain ahand based on hierarchical Poker rankings, among other games. In bothtypes of banker games, the house has an advantage based on a payoutschedule that is structured in such a way that the pay-offs are notbased on the true mathematical odds, or rules of play so structured thatthe house has a favorable edge. Notwithstanding among the categories ofpoker games is a game referred to as “Texas Holdem”, infrequentlyreferred to under different names and discussed below.

Within the above two broad categories numerous variations exist with“Holdem” or “Texas Holdem” being a popular example. In “Holdem” eachplayer makes an ante wager and is dealt two cards face down. After abetting interval three communal cards are dealt face up. A secondbetting interval follows and the dealer then turns up one more communalcard. Another betting round follows after which the dealer turns up thefinal communal card and the player with the highest Poker ranked handassembled from their own cards and the five communal cards wins the pot.

Further, in “Texas Holdem”, the individual players usually make aninitial wagering ante to participate in the game and each player isdealt two cards generally both face down. Upon the receipt of the firsttwo cards which are, as stated, dealt face down so that only theindividual player can ascertain what the front face of his cardportrays. Then, at this point additional bets are advanced by therespective players based on the two cards they draw in conjunction withthe three community cards dealt face up by the dealer. At this latterpoint another bet is placed by the participants based on the threecommunity cards that are dealt face up. Thus bearing in mind that inTexas Holdem each player is allowed to use any three community cards inconjunction with his or her two cards to achieve a five card poker handso that subsequent betting is based on community cards and the players'respective cards. After this latter betting interval, in the most basicformat, the dealer then turns up an additional community card for atotal of four community cards. After this fourth community card isrevealed, yet another betting round follows, after which the dealer thendeals a final and fifth community card, face-up. Again, after the lastand fifth card is dealt for a total of five community cards, another betis placed and the winning participant will be the one with the highestranked Poker hand of five cards selected from the participant's cardsand the five communal cards, conditional on the participant remaining inthe betting scheme to the final setting.

Additionally, it is well-known that in present internet on-linesettings, Poker is played where participants compete against one anotherin a group, however, where such games are conducted through computergenerated formats by a virtual house dealer, or in practice the web-siteowner. This mode of participation is by use of electronicallycomputerized formats or at isolated gaming stations or in an interneton-line basis.

In a general context, Poker games where players play to obtain a handbased on steps of Poker rankings, the house may be at a pay-outadvantage since the pay-out schedule is such that any pay-outs are notcompatible with true probability factors. In this context, it isdesirable and ethical, to reveal in certain play modes probabilityfactors or odds of obtaining a winning hand or certain types of hands ina given poker game or other card games. No such games are known to bestructured in game play or in Internet or other virtual means to setforth the same, and there is need for such presentation and promulgationof the probability factors. In fact, it is foreseeable that governmentalbodies may soon require such probability data to be made available ingame formats as a condition of governmental sanction at all levels ofgovernment.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The following are objects of the subject invention:

It is an object of the subject system to provide means to facilitate afair and equitable method of producing card games on the Internet or atlocalized game stations for competitive play.

It is also an object of the subject invention to provide an improvedmeans to maximize the equities in the play of poker games in an on-lineInternet setting.

A further object of the subject invention is to provide an improvedmethod to provide on-line card games, including Poker games and othercard games.

Yet, another aspect of the subject invention is to provide an improvedsystem for competitive card game play using existing computer-basedon-line means with pre-formatted on-line Poker games or other cardgames.

Moreover, it is an object of this invention to provide a means that canbe used on the Internet to provide on-line competitive card playing.

It is an object of the subject invention to provide an improved on-linesystem for a competitive Poker game or other similar card gamesutilizing a computer generated game format at a game station.

Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improved methodfor providing an on-line or game station based Poker game in the formatof a poker game referred to as “Texas Holdem”, which includes acomputerized database of all documents that have been previouslyavailable or used for existing clients in order to facilitate theirability to play such games at a given time.

Still another object is to provide computer based methodology combinedwith the Internet to process a Poker game between the house, theInternet game provider and the individual player or players.

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a computergenerated poker game format that is equitable to the individual playerand provides some means to apprise the player of the approximateprobability factors involved at any given stage for obtaining aprevailing hand or any type of hand.

Other and further objects of the subject invention will become apparentfrom reading the description taken in conjunction with the claims.

It also is a general object of the present invention to provide a rapidand high odds casino type wagering card game where reasonably low rankedhands can be accompanied with reasonable pay-out odds.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a computer screen view of the play action in the subjectinvention at stage one.

FIG. 2 is a computer screen view of the play action in the subjectinvention at stage two.

FIG. 3 is a computer screen view of the play action in the subjectinvention at stage three.

FIG. 4 is a computer screen view of the play action in the subjectinvention at stage four.

FIG. 5 is a computer screen view of the play action in the subjectinvention at stage five.

FIG. 6 is a computer screen view of the play action in the subjectinvention at stage six.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing all of the processes which are utilizedto generate the subject game in the overall system.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for acomputer-based Poker game such as a poker game referred to a Texas Holdor other similar card game involving a single player from any of variousdispersed locations participating in a card game, along with a pluralityof virtual players, or with the simultaneous real time participation ofother actual players, in which standard gaming formats is set forth withan instant play having be automatically generated minimal bettingformats, such games being available on the Internet or at specificallylocated game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play.

The subject invention is generally based on a casino game comprising oneor more decks of standard playing cards and a layout which designates afirst area for placing of community cards and a second area composed ofa plurality of betting areas, which can be formatted and processed usinga computer program and usually represented at its various stages on acomputer display screen. The object of the game is to achieve apotentially winning poker hand comprised of a five card array as beingcomprised of the player's individual cards, in conjunction with anythree of the community cards. The game equipment is based on a singledeck of fifty-two conventional playing cards and a layout spread thathighlights the betting zones and card displays on a video screen. It isto be noted that the inventive concepts herein are not limited to a deckof fifty-two cards, but may comprise any number of cards, and the pokerhand need not be limited to five cards, as the hands may be more or lessthan five cards.

In the subject game, based on a specific format, the card game known asTexas Holdem, as an example of one of many card games that can be usedin the subject invention. Individual players can play in competitionagainst either the house or with each other, or as a sole player, withthe opportunity to increase the wager at various key intervals in thegame play using the following steps:

1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to playthe game, that is to start the game.

2. As the next step, a deck of cards comprised of the standard fifty-twocard deck, with thirteen cards for each of the four suits, namelyhearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades is made available in the computerprogram for the subject game, and from this deck of fifty-two cards thevirtual cards are randomly arrayed in the computer program as if theyhad been properly interspersed for a random distribution of the cards,as if they were shuffled as an actual deck of cards, and thus placedrandomly virtually in the available deck in the computer program asconsummated in the Central Processing Unit of the base computer.

3. As the next step in the program sequence, cards are dealt in aprogrammatic manner from the random array of the cards as randomlyarrayed in such virtual setting in the computer program. In the usualsequential order the deal is first made as one card to each of theplayers, including the sole individual player and additional fictitiousor virtual players, and thence another card is dealt to the playersseparately as before, with a total of two cards being dealt to theindividual players, and in sequence is compliant with the usual practicethat the players' cards are dealt, either virtually or actually. Thissequence may not be followed precisely as stated above, so long as thecards that are dealt in a random order from a random array of the actualor virtual cards. More particularly, as stated above, the computerprogram uses a random number generator to stack the cards in a randomassemblage. For this purpose each of the numbered cards such as two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten are assigned theirface equivalent numbers from the random number generator with the Jackhaving an eleven designation, the Queen a twelve designation, the King athirteen designation, and the Ace a fourteen designation. Each card suitis given a prefix number to further this purpose, such as a prefix oftwo for hearts, three for spades, four for diamonds, and five for clubs.Thus, as an example, the Jack of clubs would be assigned a designatednumber 511 in the random number generator format. This particularassignation of numbers is only relevant to the process of generating arandom array of cards and is not used for any other purpose. In thisprocess the players, including the fictitious or virtual players areassured of an unbiased dealing process. Further in this initial draw,two cards dealt to each virtual player, as opposed to the actual player,are dealt and displayed face-down as represented on the display screenso that the actual player is unaware of the cards dealt or assigned tothe virtual players, while the actual player's cards are dealt face-upfor immediate and constant viewability on the display screen during gameplay.

4. Once the actual player can see his two cards and thus knowing theirpotential values from a poker perspective, a betting interval arises,and the actual player can bet solely on the force of his two cards, notknowing what the community cards are or what the other players have intheir hands. In other forms of the game, the betting does not commenceuntil the initial array of the community cards is dealt and displayed.

5. The next step in the process is for the computer program to deal orassign the initial array of community cards namely three cards. Thefirst step is the revelation of three community cards as shown on thedisplay screen, as arbitrarily placed on such screen. In this positionon the screen, the three community cards initially revealed are commonlyreferred to in poker genre as the flop.

6. Once the initial deal is made of the three community cards asoutlined in the above steps, the actual player, when viewing the screen,can now assess his own two cards, as shown on the screen, andconcurrently the actual player can observe the three community cardsdisplayed. In overviewing the two cards in the actual player's hand inconjunction with the three community cards, the player can assess thestrength of a five card poker hand using a combination of his two cardsand the three community cards. At this point the program will generate astandard or automatic bet amount shown on a visual indicator on thescreen as the “current bet”, the minimum additional bet to stay in thegame. The actual player can increase the minimum bet up to anypredetermined or limited or yet unlimited amount, depending on the gameformat. However, the minimum bet amount must be tendered in order toremain in the game. Alternately, the player can elect to fold and leavethe game at this juncture of the game.

7. If the player remains in the game, the next sequential step generatedby the master software program is to deal, in a virtual sense, anadditional or fourth community card and thus reveal on the screen suchadditional community card as displayed in the community card position onthe screen, generally aligned next to the three initial community cards.As indicated, this additional card provides a fourth card for thecommunity card array, all openly displayed. At this point the actualplayer, upon seeing this fourth card, can further determine theadditional viability, if any, of his hand for a five card array usingany three of the four displayed community cards along with his twocards. Again at this point, the player can fold by pressing the foldindicator and the game terminates. Once the fold indicator has beenactivated the game is terminated in the computer programming sequence.If the player elects to stay in the game and at least comply with theminimum betting requirements, he will press the bet indicator at the newminimum bet amount which is automatically increased through the computerprogram to a new level. Additionally at this point, the player can optto increase the bet by pressing a bet increase indicator.

8. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the abovementioned betting requirements then the game progresses to the nextlevel, and at final community card, commonly referred to as the river,is dealt and displayed at the community card display position for atotal of five community cards.

9. At this latter juncture with five community cards now displayed, theactual player can elect to exit the game based on an assessment of hisor her two cards in conjunction with any three of the five communitycards displayed, but not knowing up to this point what two cards aredealt to each of the other virtual players, who are passively involvedin the game format. With the new minimum bet amount set, as stated, anautomatic amount generated through the computer program, the player canelect to fold, and the game is stopped. If the player elects to stay, hecan upon seeing the fifth community card elect to play at the minimumbet or increase the bet, as based on what the actual player perceives ashis chances as a winning poker hand versus the unknown hands of thefictitious players, again using his two displayed cards in conjunctionwith any three of the community cards.

10. At this point, if the player elects to stay in the game after thefifth community card has been dealt, the computer program will reveal onthe display screen the face sides of the two cards of each of thevirtual or fictitious players to allow the actual player to see theother players' competitive cards vis-a-vis the community cards.

11. The ensuing step in the program sequence in the Central ProcessingUnit, is to compare the value of the respective hands of the fourfictitious players or whatever number of fictitious players verses theactual player using a valuation process that compares the hierarchy ofhands. If a hand of a fictitious player has a higher value than that ofthe actual player, the actual player loses the game. On the other hand,if the actual player's hand is of a higher value than those of the handsof the virtual players, the actual player wins and collects the bet. Insome game formats a system of lesser or reduced winnings could beimplemented if the actual player's hand places second or third orwhatever place deemed feasible under the circumstances.

12. As a final step the actual player may cash out his winnings on thegame or elect to retain a credit for further game play.

Stated alternatively, the game play format in a Texas Holdem poker game,using a computer-generated format for a means to play such game, caninclude the following steps more simply stated as follows:

-   -   a) Game display screen shows a plurality of virtual players and        an actual player with two cards on the screen, face-down for        each virtual player, and the cards face-up for the actual        player, although more or less cards can be dealt to the virtual        and actual players.    -   b) The actual game player has two cards dealt face-up on the        screen.    -   c) The total initial bet can be any predetermined amount to        start the game play.    -   d) The actual player starts the game with a stated credit ante,        which is mandatory to start the game play.    -   e) The actual player can fold or bet to see the three card flop,        or as stated otherwise the three initial community cards.    -   f) The actual player has the option to fold or bet at least the        minimum amount to observe the turn card dealt, that is the        fourth community card.    -   g) The actual player can elect to fold or bet further to see the        river card dealt, that is the fifth community card.    -   h) All cards of each of the virtual players are revealed at the        time of a fold or after the community cards are dealt.    -   i) Once the actual player folds and all the players' cards are        revealed, if the actual player's cards show that he would have        won the hand, the actual player could be credited back his        credits played.    -   j) Awards are based on a Poker Pay Table or the recognized        schedule, and a Royal flush hand could pay a Maximum of 4,000        credits, more or less, as desired, and downwardly for other        potential poker hands.

In this version of Texas Holdem Poker the game is formatted on a videoscreen so it may represent approximately a game board on which cards arelaid as dealt, as is commonly used in casinos, with the game boardlayout being marked out with an area constituted by at least two or moreareas, in the form of one or more geometric shapes, situated directly infront of the dealer, such demarcated areas being so structured andoptimally located for placing the community cards. The other areas ofthe virtual board layout on the display screen comprise predeterminedareas to lay the cards for the fictitious players face-down and thecards of the actual player face-up, in addition to signaling indicatorsfor betting, for folding, or commencement of play, among other signalingindicators.

The subject invention may also include a menu and format for othersimilar card games involving a single player or a plurality of playersfrom various dispersed locations all participating in a single cardgame, in which standard gaming formats are set forth on a menu, suchmenu providing the user a series of potential card games for instantplay which can be used as a base guide for the player, with such menuhaving accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a givengame in real time between actual players participating separately fromdifferent sites, or playing such card games as the only actual playeragainst the house, with or without competing virtual or actual players.

In the main or specifically directed game format and for other gameformats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics couldoptionally apply:

1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice froma menu of various card games displayed on the screen, with the menusetting forth instructions to enable the participant to select aparticular game mode, utilizing the screen instructions.

2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable,which is the program may be designated as R (for a file number on aparticular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memoryuntil another variable is entered or the processing program is exited orerased for that participant. The persistence of this variable R permitsan individual participant to continue play of one or more games and beprovided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gainaccess to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with apreplayed game preference ready at hand at the participant's discretion.This variable serves as a base for all future Internet or game sitegameplay for such new client, including for such new client alldocumented information ready at hand in the software program with theheadings and designation of the client's history and game preferences,as well as betting preference. In some instances certain incentives mayoptionally be made available to a previous player for his or her totalhistory of participation, or maintained for overall comparison ofwinning percentages compared to other participants, as seen in videogame play in some circumstances.

3. The program could also optionally incorporate a database for amultiple number of card game categories which can instantly be displayedto give the player an overview of games that are available in thesystem, along with the probability factors involved with each game.

4. At the inception of a game entry, the program creates additionalfiles in addition to the database, to generate at the participantsrequest the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that aplayer who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse adisplay for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, andodds for a given game play. It is anticipated in this latter regard thateventually governmental regulations will require the display of rules,procedures, and betting odds as to all Internet and game station play.The software program could automatically display such data for a minimumtime period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicatinghe or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an optionto forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedulesfor a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.

5. A given game program could optionally track the participants play,and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage ofthe game as to chance or chances of drawing certain cards, and otherrelevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailinghand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not bebased on cards dealt to other players or actual or real.

6. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appendingprocess, the player does not need to record copies of his gaming wins orlosses.

This new method of equalizing in dealer-player advantages is, to theinventor's knowledge, somewhat original. In all games that are fair,there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player andan opponent. However, this invention is novel in that the player isgiven a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules andrisks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective onthe game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted aunique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probabilityof prevailing as each additional card is dealt. As will be shown, thismethod provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new anduseful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to thegames variables and courses.

Future Game Options should be build in so any one or all of the 4players can push all, which would give another dimension to the gamemaking the live player make a decision to stay with their hand or fold.

As an overview of the game features, the following advantages andconsiderations are important to state and understand.

-   1. Texas Holdem (TM) will pay back approximately 88-94% to the    player.-   2. Prizes are awarded based on the result of the Bingo Game being    played.-   3 Players have the option to play 1 to 4 credits.-   4. The ball draw contains 75 numbers.-   5. Pay Cards a representation of the result of each bingo card    result.-   6. Players must achieve or cover at least one different preset bingo    pattern to win an interim prize.-   7. Game Warrior (TM) is a multi-denominational playform allowing the    player to choose bets in increments of 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢,    $1, $5, $10 or $20, depending upon availability settings specified    by the casino.-   8. Maximum bet per pay Card if 4 credits/Card.-   9. Players can only win an interim prize if they bingo on the first    31 balls drawn.-   10. If only one player has entered in for the game. The system will    wait 7 seconds for additional players.-   11. If no additional players join the wager is returned back to the    player.-   12. The ball draw continues which can draw up to 75 balls, will    continue to be drawn until the End of Game Pattern (EGP) is    achieved.-   13. This will close the current game.-   14. If a player achieves the EGP with the first 3 balls drawn a    award of 1000 credits will be given, otherwise the eGP pattern    awards a 1¢, one cent, “MUST GO”-   15. If the player Folds at any time and had the winning bingo card    they receive an even amount back

How to Play

-   Bill acceptor accepts $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills.-   Player inserts bills.-   Player picks the amount he/she wishes to bet per credit (5¢, 10¢,    25¢ or $1.00)

Description of Specific Embodiments of the Subject Invention

In describing a specific embodiment, herein, as stated in the discussionof the general embodiment and summary of the invention, the applicationof the procedures herein is substantially focused on a card game playedin the context of an Internet-based operation of a card game or at anisolated game station, or other areas directly or indirectly related tolegal activities such as court proceedings leading to generation of manycard games. Thus, as indicated previously herein, the initial and basicfocus on specific embodiments of the subject invention is not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of the subject invention as set forth inthe claims.

The subject invention comprises a computer generated format means for acomputer-based Poker game such as a poker game referred to a Texas Holdor other similar card game involving a single player from any of variousdispersed locations participating in a card game, along with a pluralityof virtual players, or with the simultaneous real time participation ofother actual players, in which standard gaming formats is set forth withan instant play having be automatically generated minimal bettingformats, such games being available on the Internet or at specificallylocated game unit consoles, or otherwise based for access to play.

The subject invention is generally based on a casino game comprising oneor more decks of standard playing cards and a layout which designates afirst area for placing of community cards and a second area composed ofa plurality of betting areas, which can be formatted and processed usinga computer program and usually represented at its various stages on acomputer display screen. The object of the game is to achieve apotentially winning poker hand comprised of a five card array as beingcomprised of the player's individual cards, in conjunction with anythree of the community cards. The game equipment is based on a singledeck of fifty-two conventional playing cards and a layout spread thathighlights the betting zones and card displays on a video screen. It isto be noted that the inventive concepts herein are not limited to a deckof fifty-two cards, but may comprise any number of cards, and the pokerhand need not be limited to five cards, as the hands may be more or lessthan five cards.

In the subject game, based on a specific format, the card game known asTexas Holdem, as an example of one of many card games that can be usedin the subject invention. Individual players can play in competitionagainst either the house or with each other, or as a sole player, withthe opportunity to increase the wager at various key intervals in thegame play using the following steps:

1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to playthe game, that is to start the game.

2. As the next step, a deck of cards comprised of the standard fifty-twocard deck, with thirteen cards for each of the four suits, namelyhearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades is made available in the computerprogram for the subject game, and from this deck of fifty-two cards thevirtual cards are randomly arrayed in the computer program as if theyhad been properly interspersed for a random distribution of the cards,as if they were shuffled as an actual deck of cards, and thus placedrandomly virtually in the available deck in the computer program asconsummated in the Central Processing Unit of the base computer.

3. As the next step in the program sequence, cards are dealt in aprogrammatic manner from the random array of the cards as randomlyarrayed in such virtual setting in the computer program. In the usualsequential order the deal is first made as one card to each of theplayers, including the sole individual player and additional fictitiousor virtual players, and thence another card is dealt to the playersseparately as before, with a total of two cards being dealt to theindividual players, and in sequence is compliant with the usual practicethat the players' cards are dealt, either virtually or actually. Thissequence may not be followed precisely as stated above, so long as thecards that are dealt in a random order from a random array of the actualor virtual cards. More particularly, as stated above, the computerprogram uses a random number generator to stack the cards in a randomassemblage. For this purpose each of the numbered cards such as two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten are assigned theirface equivalent numbers from the random number generator with the Jackhaving an eleven designation, the Queen a twelve designation, the King athirteen designation, and the Ace a fourteen designation. Each card suitis given a prefix number to further this purpose, such as a prefix oftwo for hearts, three for spades, four for diamonds, and five for clubs.Thus, as an example, the Jack of clubs would be assigned a designatednumber 511 in the random number generator format. This particularassignation of numbers is only relevant to the process of generating arandom array of cards and is not used for any other purpose. In thisprocess the players, including the fictitious or virtual players areassured of an unbiased dealing process. Further in this initial draw,two cards dealt to each virtual player, as opposed to the actual player,are dealt and displayed face-down as represented on the display screenso that the actual player is unaware of the cards dealt or assigned tothe virtual players, while the actual player's cards are dealt face-upfor immediate and constant viewability on the display screen during gameplay.

4. Once the actual player can see his two cards and thus knowing theirpotential values from a poker perspective, a betting interval arises,and the actual player can bet solely on the force of his two cards, notknowing what the community cards are or what the other players have intheir hands. In other forms of the game, the betting does not commenceuntil the initial array of the community cards is dealt and displayed.

5. The next step in the process is for the computer program to deal orassign the initial array of community cards namely three cards. Thefirst step is the revelation of three community cards as shown on thedisplay screen, as arbitrarily placed on such screen. In this positionon the screen, the three community cards initially revealed are commonlyreferred to in poker genre as the flop.

6. Once the initial deal is made of the three community cards asoutlined in the above steps, the actual player, when viewing the screen,can now assess his own two cards, as shown on the screen, andconcurrently the actual player can observe the three community cardsdisplayed. In overviewing the two cards in the actual player's hand inconjunction with the three community cards, the player can assess thestrength of a five card poker hand using a combination of his two cardsand the three community cards. At this point the program will generate astandard or automatic bet amount shown on a visual indicator on thescreen as the “current bet”, the minimum additional bet to stay in thegame. The actual player can increase the minimum bet up to anypredetermined or limited or yet unlimited amount, depending on the gameformat. However, the minimum bet amount must be tendered in order toremain in the game. Alternately, the player can elect to fold and leavethe game at this juncture of the game.

7. If the player remains in the game, the next sequential step generatedby the master software program is to deal, in a virtual sense, anadditional or fourth community card and thus reveal on the screen suchadditional community card as displayed in the community card position onthe screen, generally aligned next to the three initial community cards.As indicated, this additional card provides a fourth card for thecommunity card array, all openly displayed. At this point the actualplayer, upon seeing this fourth card, can further determine theadditional viability, if any, of his hand for a five card array usingany three of the four displayed community cards along with his twocards. Again at this point, the player can fold by pressing the foldindicator and the game terminates. Once the fold indicator has beenactivated the game is terminated in the computer programming sequence.If the player elects to stay in the game and at least comply with theminimum betting requirements, he will press the bet indicator at the newminimum bet amount which is automatically increased through the computerprogram to a new level. Additionally at this point, the player can optto increase the bet by pressing a bet increase indicator.

8. If the actual player stays in the game by complying with the abovementioned betting requirements then the game progresses to the nextlevel, and at final community card, commonly referred to as the river,is dealt and displayed at the community card display position for atotal of five community cards.

9. At this latter juncture with five community cards now displayed, theactual player can elect to exit the game based on an assessment of hisor her two cards in conjunction with any three of the five communitycards displayed, but not knowing up to this point what two cards aredealt to each of the other virtual players, who are passively involvedin the game format. With the new minimum bet amount set, as stated, anautomatic amount generated through the computer program, the player canelect to fold, and the game is stopped. If the player elects to stay, hecan upon seeing the fifth community card elect to play at the minimumbet or increase the bet, as based on what the actual player perceives ashis chances as a winning poker hand versus the unknown hands of thefictitious players, again using his two displayed cards in conjunctionwith any three of the community cards.

10. At this point, if the player elects to stay in the game after thefifth community card has been dealt, the computer program will reveal onthe display screen the face sides of the two cards of each of thevirtual or fictitious players to allow the actual player to see theother players' competitive cards vis-a-vis the community cards.

11. The ensuing step in the program sequence in the Central ProcessingUnit, is to compare the value of the respective hands of the fourfictitious players or whatever number of fictitious players verses theactual player using a valuation process that compares the hierarchy ofhands. If a hand of a fictitious player has a higher value than that ofthe actual player, the actual player loses the game. On the other hand,if the actual player's hand is of a higher value than those of the handsof the virtual players, the actual player wins and collects the bet. Insome game formats a system of lesser or reduced winnings could beimplemented if the actual player's hand places second or third orwhatever place deemed feasible under the circumstances.

12. As a final step the actual player may cash out his winnings on thegame or elect to retain a credit for further game play.

Stated alternatively, the game play format in a Texas Holdem poker game,using a computer-generated format for a means to play such game, caninclude the following steps more simply stated as follows:

-   -   a) Game display screen shows a plurality of virtual players and        an actual player with two cards on the screen, face-down for        each virtual player, and the cards face-up for the actual        player, although more or less cards can be dealt to the virtual        and actual players.    -   b) The actual game player has two cards dealt face-up on the        screen.    -   c) The total initial bet can be any predetermined amount to        start the game play.    -   d) The actual player starts the game with a stated credit ante,        which is mandatory to start the game play.    -   e) The actual player can fold or bet to see the three card flop,        or as stated otherwise the three initial community cards.    -   f) The actual player has the option to fold or bet at least the        minimum amount to observe the turn card dealt, that is the        fourth community card.    -   g) The actual player can elect to fold or bet further to see the        river card dealt, that is the fifth community card.    -   h) All cards of each of the virtual players are revealed at the        time of a fold or after the community cards are dealt.    -   i) Once the actual player folds and all the players' cards are        revealed, if the actual player's cards show that he would have        won the hand, the actual player could be credited back his        credits played.    -   j) Awards are based on a Poker Pay Table or the recognized        schedule, and a Royal flush hand could pay a Maximum of 4,000        credits, more or less, as desired, and downwardly for other        potential poker hands.

In this version of Texas Holdem Poker the game is formatted on a videoscreen so it may represent approximately a game board on which cards arelaid as dealt, as is commonly used in casinos, with the game boardlayout being marked out with an area constituted by at least two or moreareas, in the form of one or more geometric shapes, situated directly infront of the dealer, such demarcated areas being so structured andoptimally located for placing the community cards. The other areas ofthe virtual board layout on the display screen comprise predeterminedareas to lay the cards for the fictitious players face-down and thecards of the actual player face-up, in addition to signaling indicatorsfor betting, for folding, or commencement of play, among other signalingindicators.

The subject invention may also include a menu and format for othersimilar card games involving a single player or a plurality of playersfrom various dispersed locations all participating in a single cardgame, in which standard gaming formats are set forth on a menu, suchmenu providing the user a series of potential card games for instantplay which can be used as a base guide for the player, with such menuhaving accompanying descriptive means on how to participate in a givengame in real time between actual players participating separately fromdifferent sites, or playing such card games as the only actual playeragainst the house, with or without competing virtual or actual players.

In the main or specifically directed game format and for other gameformats herein, it is noted that the following characteristics couldoptionally apply:

1. It can be menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice froma menu of various card games displayed on the screen, with the menusetting forth instructions to enable the participant to select aparticular game mode, utilizing the screen instructions.

2. The program menu could optionally incorporate an ongoing variable,which is the program may be designated as R (for a file number on aparticular client, subject, etc.) which remains in the program memoryuntil another variable is entered or the processing program is exited orerased for that participant. The persistence of this variable R permitsan individual participant to continue play of one or more games and beprovided quick eligibility or credit, in some circumstances, to gainaccess to an on-line game, once so previously registered, with apreplayed game preference ready at hand at the participant's discretion.This variable serves as a base for all future Internet or game sitegameplay for such new client, including for such new client alldocumented information ready at hand in the software program with theheadings and designation of the client's history and game preferences,as well as betting preference. In some instances certain incentives mayoptionally be made available to a previous player for his or her totalhistory of participation, or maintained for overall comparison ofwinning percentages compared to other participants, as seen in videogame play in some circumstances.

3. The program could also optionally incorporate a database for amultiple number of card game categories which can instantly be displayedto give the player an overview of games that are available in thesystem, along with the probability factors involved with each game.

4. At the inception of a game entry, the program creates additionalfiles in addition to the database, to generate at the participantsrequest the rules and instruction for any type of game play, so that aplayer who may elect to play different games, will be able to peruse adisplay for any given game all the applicable rules, procedures, andodds for a given game play. It is anticipated in this latter regard thateventually governmental regulations will require the display of rules,procedures, and betting odds as to all Internet and game station play.The software program could automatically display such data for a minimumtime period and the participant will mark or enter a symbol indicatinghe or she has read the instructions. Until so, there could be an optionto forestall game play until such instructions and probability schedulesfor a given game are read and indicated so in the programming format.

5. A given game program could optionally track the participants play,and may be equipped to provide probability data at any given stage ofthe game as to chance or chances of drawing certain cards, and otherrelevant probability data to determine his or her chances of prevailinghand or continued play, however, such probability factors would not bebased on cards dealt to other players or actual or real.

6. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appendingprocess, the player does not need to record copies of his gaming wins orlosses.

This new method of equalizing in dealer-player advantages is, to theinventor's knowledge, somewhat original. In all games that are fair,there are reciprocal opportunities, or advantages, for both a player andan opponent. However, this invention is novel in that the player isgiven a unique advantage early in the game to understand the rules andrisks, and this advantage gives the player an intelligent perspective onthe game play. Then later in the game, the player is also granted aunique advantage which gives the player the ongoing odds or probabilityof prevailing as each additional card is dealt. As will be shown, thismethod provides the basis for a plurality of embodiments of a new anduseful card game providing the player the knowledge and insight to thegames variables and courses.

Future Game Options should be build in so any one or all of the 4players can push all, which would give another dimension to the gamemaking the live player make a decision to stay with their hand or fold.

As an overview of the game features, the following advantages andconsiderations are important to state and understand.

-   1. Texas Holdem (TM) will pay back approximately 88-94% to the    player.-   2. Prizes are awarded based on the result of the Bingo Game being    played.-   3. Players have the option to play 1 to 4 credits.-   4. The ball draw contains 75 numbers.-   5. Pay Cards a representation of the result of each bingo card    result.-   6. Players must achieve or cover at least one different preset bingo    pattern to win an interim prize.-   7. Game Warrior (TM) is a multi-denominational playform allowing the    player to choose bets in increments of 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢,    $1, $5, $10 or $20, depending upon availability settings specified    by the casino.-   8. Maximum bet per pay Card if 4 credits/Card.-   9. Players can only win an interim prize if they bingo on the first    31 balls drawn.-   10. If only one player has entered in for the game. The system will    wait 7 seconds for additional players.-   11. If no additional players join the wager is returned back to the    player.-   12. The ball draw continues which can draw up to 75 balls, will    continue to be drawn until the End of Game Pattern (EGP) is    achieved.-   13. This will close the current game.-   14. If a player achieves the EGP with the first 3 balls drawn a    award of 1000 credits will be given, otherwise the eGP pattern    awards a 1¢, one cent, “MUST GO”-   15. If the player Folds at any time and had the winning bingo card    they receive an even amount back

How to Play

-   Bill acceptor accepts $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills.-   Player inserts bills.-   Player picks the amount he/she wishes to bet per credit (5¢, 10¢,    25¢ or $1.00)

Alternatively and more specifically delineated, the subject inventioncomprises a means for an on-line Poker game or other similar card gameinvolving a plurality of players from various dispersed locations allparticipating in a single card game, in which standard gaming formatsare set forth on a menu, such menu providing the user a series ofpotential card games for instant play which can be used as a base guidefor the player, with such menu having accompanying descriptive means onhow to participate in a given game.

In this system the general format in one specific embodiment providesthe following general steps which steps can vary from that set forth toinclude some or less than all the steps set forth or more than all thesteps set forth;

1. Initially the participating players or player pays an ante to playthe game, that is to start the game.

2. As the next step, a deck of cards comprised of the standard fifty-twocard deck, with thirteen cards for each of the four suits, namelyhearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades is made available in the computerprogram for the subject game, and from this deck of fifty-two cards thevirtual cards are randomly arrayed in the computer program as ifproperly interspersed for a random distribution of the cards, and as ifthey were shuffled as an actual deck of cards and thus placed randomlyin the available deck, all as consummated in the Central ProcessingUnit.

3. As the next step in the program sequence whether played on theInternet or a game station, cards are dealt in a programmatic mannerfrom the random array of the cards from the computer unit 10 using thedisplay screen 20. In the usual sequential order the deal is one card toeach of the players, including the sole individual player and additionalfictitious or virtual players, shown as 120, 130, 140, and 150 in thedrawings, and thence another card is dealt to the players separately asbefore, with a total of two cards being dealt to the individual players,and in this sequence it is usual practical manner that the players'cards are dealt, either virtually or actually. This sequence may not befollowed precisely as stated above so long as the cards that are dealtin a random order from a random array of the actual or virtual cards 30.More particularly, the computer program uses a random number generator40 to stack the cards in a random assemblage. For this purpose each ofthe numbered cards such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine, or ten are assigned equivalent numbers from the random numbergenerator with the Jack being eleven designation, the Queen a twelvedesignation, the King a thirteen designation, and the Ace a fourteendesignation. Each card suit is given a prefix number to further thispurpose, such as a prefix of two for hearts, three for spades, four fordiamonds, and five for clubs, as an example, so that the Jack of clubswould be assigned a number 511 in the random number generator format 66.This assignation of numbers is only relevant to the process ofgenerating a random array of cards. In this process the players,including the actual player 100 and fictitious or virtual players 110,120, 130, and 140 are assured of an unbiased dealing process. Further inthis initial draw, two cards are dealt to each virtual player 110, 120,130, and 140 are dealt and displayed face-down as represented on thedisplay screen so that the actual player 100 is unaware of the cardsdealt or assigned to the virtual players, while the actual player'scards are dealt face-up for immediate and constant viewability duringgame play.

4. Once the actual player 100 can see his two cards, a betting intervalarises, and the actual player can bet solely on the force of his twocards, not knowing what the community cards 160 are or what the otherplayers have in their hands. In other forms of the game, the bettingdoes not commence until the initial array of the community cards 160 isdisplayed.

5. The next step in the process is for the computer program to deal orassign the initial array of community cards namely three cards. Thefirst step is the revelation of three of the community cards 70 as shownon the display screen, 20, as arbitrarily placed on such screen atpositions 200, 210, 220, 230, and 250 at overall community card position260. In the position 260 on the screen 20, the initial three communitycards revealed are commonly referred to in poker genre as the flop.

6. Once the initial deal is made of the three community cards asoutlined in the above steps, the actual player 100, when viewing thescreen, can now assess his own two cards, as shown on the screen atposition 80, and concurrently the actual player 100 can observe thethree community cards displayed at screen position 260. In overviewingthe two player cards in conjunction with the three community cards, theplayer 100 can assess the strength of a five card poker hand for theplayer using a combination of his or her two cards and the threecommunity cards. At this point the program will generate a standard orautomatic bet amount shown on a visual indicator 300 on the screendenoted as the “current bet”, the minimum additional bet to stay in thegame. Shown in the drawings at FIG. 2, the display screen has a minimumbet indicator of 310, which represents a minimum bet of a predeterminedamount. The actual player 100 can increase the minimum bet up to anypredetermined or limited or yet unlimited amount, depending on the gameformat. However, the minimum bet amount must be tendered in order toremain in the game at any given point. Alternately, the player can electto fold and leave the game by activating the “fold” or game terminationbutton 325.

7. If the player remains in the game, the next sequential step generatedby the master software program is to “deal” in a virtual sense anadditional community card at position 230 and thus reveal on the screen60 such additional community card as displayed in the community cardposition on the screen, generally aligned next to the three initialcommunity cards. This additional card will provide a fourth card for thecommunity card array, all openly displayed. At this point the actualplayer, upon seeing this fourth card, can further determine theadditional viability, if any, of his hand for a five card array usingany three of the four displayed community cards along with his two cardsat position 210, 220, 230, 240. Again at this point, the player can foldby pressing the fold indicator signaling button 325. Once the foldindicator button 325 has been activated the game is terminated as seenby step 435 in FIG. 1 in the computer programming sequence. If theplayer elects to stay in the game and at least comply with the minimumbetting requirements, he will press the bet indicator 310 at the newminimum bet amount which is automatically increased through the computerprogram to a new level. Additionally at this point, the player can optto increase the bet by pressing a bet increase indicator button 355.

8. If the player 100 stays in the game by complying with the abovementioned betting requirements then the game progresses to the nextlevel, and at final community card, commonly referred to as the “river”,is “dealt” at location 250 and displayed at the community card displayposition 260 for a total of five community cards.

9. At this latter juncture with five community cards now displayed, theactual player 100 can elect to exit the game based on an assessment ofhis or her two cards in conjunction with any three of the five communitycards displayed, but not knowing up to this point what two cards aredealt to each of the other virtual players 110, 120, 130, and 140. Withthe new minimum bet amount set, as stated, to an automatic amountgenerated through the computer program as step 410 as seen in FIG. 1,the player can elect to fold, and the game is stopped as seen in step420 in FIG. 1. If the actual player 100 elects to stay, he or she canupon seeing the fifth community card elect to play at the minimum bet orincrease the bet, as based on what the play perceives as his chances asa winning poker hand versus the unknown hands of the fictitious players110, 120, 130, and 140, again using his two displayed cards inconjunction with any three of the community cards.

10. At this point, if the actual player 100 elects to stay in the gameafter the fifth community card has been dealt, the computer program willreveal on the display screen the face sides of the two cards of each ofthe virtual or fictitious players 110, 120, 130, 140 to allow the actualplayer 100 to see the other players' competitive cards, vis-a-vis thecommunity cards at screen positions 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250.

11. The ensuing step in the program sequence 440 in the CentralProcessing Unit, is to compare the value of the respective hands of thefour fictitious players or whatever number of fictitious players versesthe actual player using a valuation process that compares the hierarchyof hands. If a hand of a fictitious player 110, 120, 130, 140 has ahigher value than that of the actual player 100, the actual playerloses. On the other hand, if the actual player's hand is of a highervalue than those of the hands of the virtual players, the actual playerwins and collects the total accrued pot.

12. As a final step the actual player may cash out his winnings on thegame or elect to retain a credit for further game play, as seen in step460 in the program sequence shown in FIG. 1.

Set forth below are software and hardware aspects for implementation ofthe subject invention:

1. It is menu-driven in that the participant can make a choice from amenu of various card games displayed on the display screen 20, with themenu 60 setting forth instructions to enable the participant to select aparticular game mode, utilizing the keyboard.

2. The program menu 600 incorporates an ongoing variable, the programdesignated as R (for a file number on a particular client, subject,etc.) which remains in the program memory until another variable isentered or the processing program is exited. The persistence of thisvariable R permits an individual participant to be automatically orquickly eligible to gain access to an on-line game, once so previouslyregistered, with the preplay game at the participant's discretion. Thisvariable serves as a base for all future Internet gameplay for such anew client, including for such new client having all such documentsready at hand in the software program with the headings and designationof the client's history and game preferences.

3. The program 15 incorporates a database for a multiple number of cardgame categories which can instantly be displayed.

4. At the inception of a game entry, computer program step 400, theprogram creates additional files in addition to the database, togenerate at the participants request the rules and instruction bor anytype of game play, so that the user who may elect to play differentgames will be able to peruse a display for any given game all theapplicable rules, procedures, and odds for a given game play. It isanticipated in this latter regard that eventually governmentalregulations will require the display of rules, procedures, and odds asall Internet gaming. The software program will automatically displaysuch data for a minimum time period and the participant will mark orenter a symbol indicating he or she has read the instructions. Until so,there will be no game play.

5. A given game program will or can track the participants on game totalwins and losses, and may optionally provide probability data at anygiven stage of the game as to chance of drawing certain cards, theprobability of certain cards in the opponents hands and other relevantprobability data.

6. Since all gaming actions are automatically saved by the appendingprocess, the player does not need to retain copies of his gaming wins orlosses. Moreover, some of the following aspects could optionally be usedin game play:

(a) cards can be dealt in succession reducing the time involved indealing the cards;

(b) fewer community cards can be used instead of five, reducing thenumber of cards in play to expedite game play, or more cards than fivecan be used to increase in some instances the odds for a player;

(c) no antes are required that reduce a player's chances when low valuehands are dealt in the process;

(d) all poker hands dealt remain live and in action at the most optimalpay-out odds the present invention has to offer, unless players chooseto draw to improve their hands in multiple player games;

(e) a premium high odds side bet for low ranked hands can be analternative in the present invention allowing players a chance torecover their loss wagers;

(f) players could be allowed to improve dealt hands by playing a drawbet equal to their initial bet.

To implement the program base in this invention, set forth below is acomputer program step format, among other possible formats:

-   A. Action to activate game in window (Step 400 in the computer    program shown in FIG. 1).-   B. Activate screen (Step 405).-   C. Create a game draw by a random number generator (Step 410).-   D. Register initial ante (Step 420).-   E. Deal initial two cards face-down to each virtual player and    face-up to actual player (Step 425).-   F. Deal three random cards for community cards (Step 430).-   G. Register new bet (Step 440).-   H. Close game if no new bet or fold (Step 445).-   I. If minimum bet met, deal fourth community card (Step 450).-   J. Register new bet (Step 455).-   K. If minimum bet met or increase bet anted, deal fifth and final    community card (Step 460).-   L. If minimum bet met, game stays open, step 463. If not or fold,    close game (Step 465).-   M. If minimum bet met, reveal face cards on screen of four virtual    players (Step 470).-   N. Compare hand values through comparator (Step 475).-   O. Select winning hand among actual or virtual players, step 480.

Some of the choices from the menu lead to sub-menus and some of theminitiate other subsidiary processes. This menu 600, as are all of thesub-menus 610A, 610B, 610C in a computer software system and other menuchoices are macros, which operate when the user presses the alphabetickey corresponding to the menu choice. In all of the sub-menus 610A,610B, 610C except the Main Menu, selecting the choice for a game willrun this giving the user the same screen as is displayed by typingControl-M. Most of the final game choices (in the final sub-menus) willresult in the program performing a merger function, usually merging orsubstituting a new game.

The choices elaborated just above perform the following tasks which arefollowed with the numbers in parentheses which correspond to the numbersset forth in the computer software as seen in the flow chart at FIG. 1,as more fully stated below.

A. Runs a macro operation which calls up a menu called MenuAction. Thismenu permits the player to perform a variety of tasks.

B. Runs a macro operation called GameChoice.

C. A method of betting, whether arithmetic or geometric or automatic, atwhich time the menus disappear and a dialogue box appears requesting theplayer to enter a game choice betting method, which becomes a persistentvariable XY. This macro operation pauses for the user to enter the datafor that specific case, and afterwards saves that data file as XYN; andalso creates a file called Player Preference, which can utilize a bettercode for ease of entry into the game. The XYN is a mere data file, andthe other files created for this stated purpose.

D. The system can operate yet another macro operation referred to as aprobability generator which calculates a probability factor for having aprevailing hand based on the cards given to the players and on the threecommunity cards initially dealt. After three community cards are dealtand the next community card is dealt, the probability for a prevailinghand will then be calculated and displayed based on the cards of player100 and the five community cards, but not those of the virtual players110, 120, 130, 140.

In another embodiment of the subject invention, the general procedurecould focus on a method of playing a poker-type card game as disclosed,comprising, in combination the steps of dealing an initial arrayednumber of cards, identifying a first subgroup of the initialpredetermined number of cards having a relatively high poker value ascompared to a remaining number of the initial arrayed number of cardsnot in the first group, assigning the first group having a greater pokerrank to a dealer as a dealer hand of the dealer dealing or providing theremaining number of the initial arrayed number of cards not provided inthe first group to at least one actual player as an initial player hand,dealing a set number of cards to the dealer to consummate the dealer'shand, dealing a set number of cards to the at least one or more playerto complete each of such others hands, and granting a set pokeradvantage to the arrayed number of cards so dealt to the at least oneplayer to complete each the at least one player hand relative to the setnumber of cards dealt to the dealer to complete the dealer hand, whereinthe poker hierarchy will be at a minimum one of a greater number ofcards, cards having a higher poker hierarchy, and the at least oneplayer having a selection choice of the cards, and thence comparing thecompleted poker hand value of the final dealer hand with the final pokerhands ranking each the final player hands of each other player, anddetermining as a winning hand between the dealer hand and each the otherplayer's hand that has the best poker value.

In yet another embodiment of the subject invention, the system includesa method of playing a poker-type card game as disclosed, comprising, incombination the steps of dealing an initial set number of cards,identifying an initial group of the set number of cards having a highpoker ranking as compared to the other number of the set number of cardsnot in the initial group, assigning the initial group having a pokerranking to one player as a first player hand, assigning the remainingnumber of the set number of cards not the in the first group to a dealeras a base dealer hand, and providing a set number of cards to the dealerto consummate the dealer's hand, and providing a calculated pokeradvantage to the number of cards to the dealer, conveying a calculatedpoker advantage to the set number of cards dealt to the dealer tocomplete the dealer's hand relative to the set number of cards dealt tothe at least one or more players to complete each of the at least oneplayer hand, wherein the poker ranking odds being set for all players'cards.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a poker-type cardgame table, in real or virtual representation, comprising, incombination a table surface having a community card designation toreceive at least one community card and at least one playing card for aplayer, and a plurality of individual betting locations locatedproximate an outer perimeter of the game table representation, each ofthe individual betting locations having: an ante wagering areadesignated signal for wagering a first amount, a bet wagering areadesignated for wagering a second amount or increased bet that an ambientor completed player hand is demonstrated, and a raise wagering areadesignated for wagering a third amount that a completed player hand willhave a higher poker value than a completed dealer hand.

In still another object and embodiment of this invention is to provide anew game format that overcomes the inherent disadvantages of existinghouse-banked poker games. This object is fulfilled by providing anon-going display at each step of the game on a subpart of the displayscreen 20 which displays the potential odds at any given point ofdrawing a given type of poker hand based on the status of revealed cardsonly. Thus for example, the computer program would generate aprobability percentage or odds of drawing a poker hand of a pair or twopairs, three of a kind, etc so that the player 100 would understand theodds at any given point of the game. This aspect is anticipated to begovernment directed in the future where the computer program wouldgenerate a summary of the game rules and procedures for playing a game,all displayed on the screen at the beginning of play.

With this latter embodiment and the approach therein, an actual playercan improve his chances of winning and minimize his losses when suchinformation has been made known. Specifically, the expert strategy winfrequency for the basic bet in “Double Down Stud” is 33%, “CaribbeanStud” is 37% and “Let It Ride” is 24%. The win frequency for the “ThreeCard Poker” Pair Plus wager is 26% and the Ante/Play wager is 45%. Theserates can be improved upon using the information of this system, aboutgame rules as well as the ongoing probability factors.

Since a player's decision whether to place the optional second oradditional wagers requires a degree of skill. This skill requirementwill be enhanced by such information and will attract players who enjoygames containing player decisions. These players normally wager onblackjack, table poker or sporting events, and require the player'sjudgmentally-based decisions that such wagers require, and the playercan use such information to improve strategic decisions. Novice playerscan particularly use such information. The decisional strategy for thisapproach, such as draw poker, is necessary for such house-banked pokergames such as “Double Down Stud”, “Let It Ride”, “Caribbean Stud” and“Three Card Poker” have relatively simple decisional strategies, howeverplayers are not apprised of the odds or probability factors in suchgames. Consequently, the probability data of this new game will attractanother new group of players to such games on the web or on gamingmachines and will help enhance the learning process for future playingsuch game with knowledgeable decision making.

In this latter respect, in a poker format, the mathematical probabilityof a five-card Royal Flush is, on average, one in 649,740 hands. Otherpoker hands have a higher win probability. However, these are subgroupsof probability factors that lead to a final game result, such subgroupprobability including chances of drawing a certain card or suit in agiven draw or deal are examples of probability aspects for substeps in apoker game.

In another embodiment, each player is required to make an initial wagerprior to the start of each hand of the poker-type game of the presentinvention. Preferably, this initial wager is split into two equalamounts know as “Ante” and “Bet” (See FIG. 1). Also preferably, eachplayer is permitted, at the player's discretion, to make a second wagerbefore or after the assignment of the initial cards into a dealer handand player hand. This second wager, know as the “Raise” is preferablylimited to one-half the amount of the first wager (or equal to the“Ante” or “Bet” portions), although it should be clearly understood thatsubstantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment ofthe poker-type card game of the present invention in which there is onlya first wager and no second wager, or in which the second wager is notequal to one-half of the first wager, or in which additional wagers areallowed at various predetermined points in the game, or in which thereis no wagering at all.

In embodiments of this invention, the poker value of the initial cardsis determined by standard poker rules. If there are two initial playercards grouped into inclined players, then each hand is evaluated,preferably, by standard poker rules. For example, 1) any hand having apair has a higher hand value than any hand having unmatched cards; 2)any hand having three of a kind has a higher hand value than any handhaving a pair; 3) a hand having a pair of higher poker value (e.g., apair of Queens) has a higher poker value than a hand having a pair oflower poker rank (e.g., a pair of 10's); 4) a hand having a higher threeof a kind (e.g., three 9's) has a higher poker value than a hand havinga lower three of a kind (e.g., three 5's); 5) when two hands have pairsof equal value then the hand having a higher third card is the hand withthe higher poker rank; 6) two hands with three unmatched cards then thehand with the highest card has a higher poker rank: 7) a hand has threeunmatched cards and the highest card of each hand is the same then thehand with the highest second card has a higher poker rank; and 8) if anyhands have three unmatched cards and the two highest cards of each handis the same then the hand with the highest third card has a higher pokerrank.

In still another embodiment, after the dealer's hand has been completed,each player is then dealt a predetermined number of cards are dealt tocomplete the player's hand. In the preferred embodiment, the initialcards dealt are community cards to be used by all players whereasadditional cards dealt to complete each player's hand are dealtindividually to each player, although it should be clearly understoodthat substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodimentof the poker-type card game of the present invention in which both theinitial cards and the completion cards for community cards to be used byall players, or in which both the initial cards and the completion cardsare dealt individually to each player, or in which the initial cards aredealt individually to each player and the completion cards are communitycards.

In another specific embodiment, each player is also allowed optionallyto make a bonus bet in order to be eligible to receive a pre-determinedbonus payout if the completed player hand (or the completed dealer hand)has a pre-determined poker value. As discussed above, a player couldwager that his or her completed hand will be a Royal Flush, StraightFlush, Four of a Kind, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, each of the individual betting locations on thedisplay could have an “Ante” wagering area 700 designated for wageringon a player hand and a “Bet” wagering area 720 also designated forwagering on the player hand. A first wager can be split into two equalportions, one portion placed in the “Ante” wagering area 20 and thesecond portion placed in the “Bet” wagering area 722, although it shouldbe clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived fromplacing unequal amounts in the “Ante” wagering area 724 and the “Bet”wagering area 730. Each of the individual betting locations 740 furthercomprises a “Raise” betting area 748 designated for making a secondwager amount on a player hand. Preferably, the “Raise” betting area 746is limited to the amount placed in the either the “Ante” wagering area746 or the “Bet wagering area 722 (i.e. preferably one-half of the totalfirst wager amount). In the preferred embodiment, each of the individualbetting locations 718 further comprises a “Plus” wagering area 758designated for wagering that one of the player hand and the dealer handwill achieve a poker hand having a pre-determined poker value.Preferably, the poker-type card game table display utilizes a singledeck of playing cards.

Although the descriptions above contain many details, these detailsshould not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. Examplesof broader applications of this invention include, but are not limitedto, other styles of playing indicia, other types of gaming instrumentssuch as dice, applications of the embodiments to video poker machines,video lottery terminals, commercial poker parlors, scratch off games,reel-type slot machines, internet gambling, bingo parlors and/or kenolounges, and casino blackjack-style tables using electronic displays ofcards rather than actual playing cards.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

In a live table game or format otherwise as an alternative embodiment,the player makes an initial “ante” wager. The virtual dealer deals cardsto the players and a community hand to be shared by all players to makethe best five card Poker hand. The dealing may be according to any oneof the following formats of Table 1:

TABLE 1 Format Player's Cards Community Cards 1 3 cards, face down Atleast 3 cards face down 2 3 cards, face down At least 3 cards, at leastone face up 3 3 cards, some face-up, At least 3 cards, at least one someface-down face-up or all face-down

In this embodiment, at the start of each game all players can place betsof equal value in their respective Ante positions and also place bets ofa equal value in a position. The Ante bets are against the house and potbets are against other players, if other players play virtually oractually. Players can be dealt three cards and the dealer receives threecards (all three of which are face down). The three dealer's or housecards are community cards, referred to as the “flop” and complete eachplayer's hand. At this stage the players at least know the identity oftheir respective three cards and have the option of continuing againstthe house and making a “Flop” bet based on the community cards in frontof the dealer.

If a player decides not to make a “Flop” bet, he quits the game againstthe house surrendering his Ante bet, but continues the game against theother players based on his original “Pot” bet. If all players decide tonot make “Flop” bets, they will each surrender thier respective Antebets, but continue against the other players for the combined Pot bets.At this point the dealer will reveal the three “flop” community cardsand each player has the ability to use two of the three community cardsto make the best five card hand. The player with the best five card handwins all combined original pot bets. In the event of players holdingidentical hands the combined “Pot” bets can be shared by the winningplayers.

If a player decides to make a flop bet, he places his flop bet in thecommunity card position. This player is now playing against both thehouse and the other players. Against the house the player is placingboth his “ante” bet and his “flop” bet, and the other players thisplayer is placing his “pot” bet. At this point the dealer will revealthe three “flop” community cards and each player reveals his cards. Eachplayer has the ability to use two of the three community cards to makethe best possible five card hand. No matter how many cards constitutecommunity cards or how many cards are dealt to each player, the playersselect five cards to make up their hands. Each player who continuedagainst the house by placing a “flop” bet, will have his best five cardhand compared to the house table winning schedule corresponding pay-offsschedule and probability factors. Each player having a losing handagainst the house will forfeit his ante and flop bets. Each playerhaving a winning hand against the house will receive pay table houseodds for that player's flop bet. Once all wagers have been settled foreach player, the Dealer can find the highest value five card poker handamong all players and award that player all combined original pot bets.In the event of players holding identical hands the combined Pot betscan be shared by the winning players.

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

1. A process of playing a poker-type card game comprising, incombination, the steps of: a) Initially the participating players orplayer pays an ante to play the game, that is to start the game. b) Asthe next step, a deck of cards comprised of the standard fifty-two carddeck, with thirteen cards for each of the four suits, namely hearts,diamonds, clubs, and spades is made available in the computer programfor the subject game, and from this deck of fifty-two cards the virtualcards are randomly arrayed in the computer program as if they had beenproperly interspersed for a random distribution of the cards, as if theywere shuffled as an actual deck of cards, and thus placed randomlyvirtually in the available deck in the computer program as consummatedin the Central Processing Unit of the base computer. c) As the next stepin the program sequence, cards are dealt in a programmatic manner fromthe random array of the cards as randomly arrayed in such virtualsetting in the computer program. In the usual sequential order the dealis first made as one card to each of the players, including the soleindividual player and additional fictitious or virtual players, andthence another card is dealt to the players separately as before, with atotal of two cards being dealt to the individual players, and insequence is compliant with the usual practice that the players' cardsare dealt, either virtually or actually. This sequence may not befollowed precisely as stated above, so long as the cards that are dealtin a random order from a random array of the actual or virtual cards.More particularly, as stated above, the computer program uses a randomnumber generator to stack the cards in a random assemblage. For thispurpose each of the numbered cards such as two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, or ten are assigned their face equivalent numbersfrom the random number generator with the Jack having an elevendesignation, the Queen a twelve designation, the King a thirteendesignation, and the Ace a fourteen designation. Each card suit is givena prefix number to further this purpose, such as a prefix of two forhearts, three for spades, four for diamonds, and five for clubs. Thus,as an example, the Jack of clubs would be assigned a designated number511 in the random number generator format. This particular assignationof numbers is only relevant to the process of generating a random arrayof cards and is not used for any other purpose. In this process theplayers, including the fictitious or virtual players are assured of anunbiased dealing process. Further in this initial draw, two cards dealtto each virtual player, as opposed to the actual player, are dealt anddisplayed face-down as represented on the display screen so that theactual player is unaware of the cards dealt or assigned to the virtualplayers, while the actual player's cards are dealt face-up for immediateand constant viewability on the display screen during game play. d) Oncethe actual player can see his two cards and thus knowing their potentialvalues from a poker perspective, a betting interval arises, and theactual player can bet solely on the force of his two cards, not knowingwhat the community cards are or what the other players have in theirhands. In other forms of the game, the betting does not commence untilthe initial array of the community cards is dealt and displayed. e) Thenext step in the process is for the computer program to deal or assignthe initial array of community cards namely three cards. The first stepis the revelation of three community cards as shown on the displayscreen, as arbitrarily placed on such screen. In this position on thescreen, the three community cards initially revealed are commonlyreferred to in poker genre as the flop. f) Once the initial deal is madeof the three community cards as outlined in the above steps, the actualplayer, when viewing the screen, can now assess his own two cards, asshown on the screen, and concurrently the actual player can observe thethree community cards displayed. In overviewing the two cards in theactual player's hand in conjunction with the three community cards, theplayer can assess the strength of a five card poker hand using acombination of his two cards and the three community cards. At thispoint the program will generate a standard or automatic bet amount shownon a visual indicator on the screen as the “current bet”, the minimumadditional bet to stay in the game. The actual player can increase theminimum bet up to any predetermined or limited or yet unlimited amount,depending on the game format. However, the minimum bet amount must betendered in order to remain in the game. Alternately, the player canelect to fold and leave the game at this juncture of the game. g) If theplayer remains in the game, the next sequential step generated by themaster software program is to deal, in a virtual sense, an additional orfourth community card and thus reveal on the screen such additionalcommunity card as displayed in the community card position on thescreen, generally aligned next to the three initial community cards. Asindicated, this additional card provides a fourth card for the communitycard array, all openly displayed. At this point the actual player, uponseeing this fourth card, can further determine the additional viability,if any, of his hand for a five card array using any three of the fourdisplayed community cards along with his two cards. Again at this point,the player can fold by pressing the fold indicator and the gameterminates. Once the fold indicator has been activated the game isterminated in the computer programming sequence. If the player elects tostay in the game and at least comply with the minimum bettingrequirements, he will press the bet indicator at the new minimum betamount which is automatically increased through the computer program toa new level. Additionally at this point, the player can opt to increasethe bet by pressing a bet increase indicator. h) If the actual playerstays in the game by complying with the above mentioned bettingrequirements then the game progresses to the next level, and at finalcommunity card, commonly referred to as the river, is dealt anddisplayed at the community card display position for a total of fivecommunity cards. i) At this latter juncture with five community cardsnow displayed, the actual player can elect to exit the game based on anassessment of his or her two cards in conjunction with any three of thefive community cards displayed, but not knowing up to this point whattwo cards are dealt to each of the other virtual players, who arepassively involved in the game format. With the new minimum bet amountset, as stated, an automatic amount generated through the computerprogram, the player can elect to fold, and the game is stopped. If theplayer elects to stay, he can upon seeing the fifth community card electto play at the minimum bet or increase the bet, as based on what theactual player perceives as his chances as a winning poker hand versusthe unknown hands of the fictitious players, again using his twodisplayed cards in conjunction with any three of the community cards. j)At this point, if the player elects to stay in the game after the fifthcommunity card has been dealt, the computer program will reveal on thedisplay screen the face sides of the two cards of each of the virtual orfictitious players to allow the actual player to see the other players'competitive cards vis-a-vis the community cards. k) The ensuing step inthe program sequence in the Central Processing Unit, is to compare thevalue of the respective hands of the four fictitious players or whatevernumber of fictitious players verses the actual player using a valuationprocess that compares the hierarchy of hands. If a hand of a fictitiousplayer has a higher value than that of the actual player, the actualplayer loses the game. On the other hand, if the actual player's hand isof a higher value than those of the hands of the virtual players, theactual player wins and collects the bet. In some game formats a systemof lesser or reduced winnings could be implemented if the actualplayer's hand places second or third or whatever place deemed feasibleunder the circumstances. l) As a final step the actual player may cashout his winnings on the game or elect to retain a credit for furthergame play.
 2. The process of claim 1 comprising the step of having afirst wager from said at least one actual player that a virtual playerhand will have a higher poker value than a completed dealer hand.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 comprising the step of receiving a second wager fromsaid at least one actual player that a virtual player hand will have ahigher poker value than an actual player.
 4. The method of claim 2further providing the step of collecting from each said at least oneplayer at least one of said first wager amount and subsequent wageramounts when said completed community card hand is completed.
 5. Theprocess described in claim 2 further comprising the process of providingon a computer display screen the probability factors of drawing certaincards on an anticipated deal of an additional card to the community cardarray.
 6. The method described in claim 1 further providing theprobability factors of drawing specified hands at a given point in thegame.
 7. The method as described of claim 1 comprises the step ofproviding betting pay-outs for a hand less in poker ranking than thewinning hand, but greater in poker ranking than the other poker hands inthe game.
 8. The method described in claim 1 comprising the stepallowing a player to be eligible to earn a set bonus pay-out based onthe results of a succession of multiple plays of such game by a player9. The method described in claim 1 comprising the step of granting abonus to a player who achieves a predetermined score based on theresults of a given number of series of play of said game.
 10. A processof playing a poker-type card game comprising, in combination, the stepsof: a) Initially the participating players or player pays an ante toplay the game, that is to start the game. b) As the next step, a deck ofcards comprised of the standard fifty-two card deck, with thirteen cardsfor each of the four suits, namely hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spadesis made available in the computer program for the subject game, and fromthis deck of fifty-two cards the virtual cards are randomly arrayed inthe computer program as if they had been properly interspersed for arandom distribution of the cards, as if they were shuffled as an actualdeck of cards, and thus placed randomly virtually in the available deckin the computer program as consummated in the Central Processing Unit ofthe base computer. c) As the next step in the program sequence, cardsare dealt in a programmatic manner from the random array of the cards asrandomly arrayed in such virtual setting in the computer program. In theusual sequential order the deal is first made as one card to each of theplayers, including the sole individual player and additional fictitiousor virtual players, and thence another card is dealt to the playersseparately as before, with a total of two cards being dealt to theindividual players, and in sequence is compliant with the usual practicethat the players' cards are dealt, either virtually or actually. Thissequence may not be followed precisely as stated above, so long as thecards that are dealt in a random order from a random array of the actualor virtual cards. More particularly, as stated above, the computerprogram uses a random number generator to stack the cards in a randomassemblage. For this purpose each of the numbered cards such as two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten are assigned theirface equivalent numbers from the random number generator with the Jackhaving an eleven designation, the Queen a twelve designation, the King athirteen designation, and the Ace a fourteen designation. Each card suitis given a prefix number to further this purpose, such as a prefix oftwo for hearts, three for spades, four for diamonds, and five for clubs.Thus, as an example, the Jack of clubs would be assigned a designatednumber 511 in the random number generator format. This particularassignation of numbers is only relevant to the process of generating arandom array of cards and is not used for any other purpose. In thisprocess the players, including the fictitious or virtual players areassured of an unbiased dealing process. Further in this initial draw,two cards dealt to each virtual player, as opposed to the actual player,are dealt and displayed face-down as represented on the display screenso that the actual player is unaware of the cards dealt or assigned tothe virtual players, while the actual player's cards are dealt face-upfor immediate and constant viewability on the display screen during gameplay. d) Once the actual player can see his two cards and thus knowingtheir potential values from a poker perspective, a betting intervalarises, and the actual player can bet solely on the force of his twocards, not knowing what the community cards are or what the otherplayers have in their hands. In other forms of the game, the bettingdoes not commence until the initial array of the community cards isdealt and displayed. e) The next step in the process is for the computerprogram to deal or assign the initial array of community cards namelythree cards. The first step is the revelation of three community cardsas shown on the display screen, as arbitrarily placed on such screen. Inthis position on the screen, the three community cards initiallyrevealed are commonly referred to in poker genre as the flop. f) Oncethe initial deal is made of the three community cards as outlined in theabove steps, the actual player, when viewing the screen, can now assesshis own two cards, as shown on the screen, and concurrently the actualplayer can observe the three community cards displayed. In overviewingthe two cards in the actual player's hand in conjunction with the threecommunity cards, the player can assess the strength of a five card pokerhand using a combination of his two cards and the three community cards.At this point the program will generate a standard or automatic betamount shown on a visual indicator on the screen as the “current bet”,the minimum additional bet to stay in the game. The actual player canincrease the minimum bet up to any predetermined or limited or yetunlimited amount, depending on the game format. However, the minimum betamount must be tendered in order to remain in the game. Alternately, theplayer can elect to fold and leave the game at this juncture of thegame. g) If the player remains in the game, the next sequential stepgenerated by the master software program is to deal, in a virtual sense,an additional or fourth community card and thus reveal on the screensuch additional community card as displayed in the community cardposition on the screen, generally aligned next to the three initialcommunity cards. As indicated, this additional card provides a fourthcard for the community card array, all openly displayed. At this pointthe actual player, upon seeing this fourth card, can further determinethe additional viability, if any, of his hand for a five card arrayusing any three of the four displayed community cards along with his twocards. Again at this point, the player can fold by pressing the foldindicator and the game terminates. Once the fold indicator has beenactivated the game is terminated in the computer programming sequence.If the player elects to stay in the game and at least comply with theminimum betting requirements, he will press the bet indicator at the newminimum bet amount which is automatically increased through the computerprogram to a new level. Additionally at this point, the player can optto increase the bet by pressing a bet increase indicator. h) If theactual player stays in the game by complying with the above mentionedbetting requirements then the game progresses to the next level, and atfinal community card, commonly referred to as the river, is dealt anddisplayed at the community card display position for a total of fivecommunity cards. i) At this latter juncture with five community cardsnow displayed, the actual player can elect to exit the game based on anassessment of his or her two cards in conjunction with any three of thefive community cards displayed, but not knowing up to this point whattwo cards are dealt to each of the other virtual players, who arepassively involved in the game format. With the new minimum bet amountset, as stated, an automatic amount generated through the computerprogram, the player can elect to fold, and the game is stopped. If theplayer elects to stay, he can upon seeing the fifth community card electto play at the minimum bet or increase the bet, as based on what theactual player perceives as his chances as a winning poker hand versusthe unknown hands of the fictitious players, again using his twodisplayed cards in conjunction with any three of the community cards. j)At this point, if the player elects to stay in the game after the fifthcommunity card has been dealt, the computer program will reveal on thedisplay screen the face sides of the two cards of each of the virtual orfictitious players to allow the actual player to see the other players'competitive cards vis-a-vis the community cards. k) The ensuing step inthe program sequence in the Central Processing Unit, is to compare thevalue of the respective hands of the four fictitious players or whatevernumber of fictitious players verses the actual player using a valuationprocess that compares the hierarchy of hands. If a hand of a fictitiousplayer has a higher value than that of the actual player, the actualplayer loses the game. On the other hand, if the actual player's hand isof a higher value than those of the hands of the virtual players, theactual player wins and collects the bet. In some game formats a systemof lesser or reduced winnings could be implemented if the actualplayer's hand places second or third or whatever place deemed feasibleunder the circumstances. l) As a final step the actual player may cashout his winnings on the game or elect to retain a credit for furthergame play. m) Providing at each of the foregoing stated steps of play alisting of the ongoing mathematical probability factors that aparticular type of card will be dealt at a given step of the game.